Ahdaf Soueif (1950) is a writer and cultural activist working in London and Cairo.

In the last 20 years she has courageously merged literature and activism, building a body of fiction and committed journalism that responds to the legacies of European intervention in conflicts outside of the continent’s immediate territorial boundaries.

The Palestine Festival of Literature (2008–present), of which she is founding chair, created a new form of international cultural cooperation.

Soueif’’s consistent opposition to both authoritarianism and colonialism has marked her as a cultural figure of international importance inspiring new generations of critical voices throughout Europe and its neighbouring regions.

Throughout her career, Soueif has been a tireless mediator between the supposed opposition of east and west, working to find common ground for a more democratic future.Visit Ahdaf Soueif’s websiteFollow Soueif on TwitterVisit the PalFest Website